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Character Formation 1

Criminology (Tarlac State University)

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CHARACTER FORMATION 1
Nationalism and Patriotism
Rhey Jay G. Bravo, RCrim

PRELIMINARIES

An unknown author once said a forewarning that, as human beings, we have to be careful of our
thoughts, for it will become the source of our words; we have to be careful of our words, for it will
become our deeds; our deeds, will become our habits; our habits, will become our character; and our
character, will become our destiny. In the present world, it is the character that counts not the intellect
and the acquired abilities and skills. It is the character that highlights professionalism not the
professional license and certificates awarded by the professional organizations and the Government
Professional Regulatory Commission.

According to Prasad Nanda, character is the solid foundation on which a person's entire life is based.
People who succeed in achieving their goals and ambitions are those who have good character. Thomas
Edison whose inventions changed the world, or it was Abraham Lincoln who was president of the United
States, or Gandhi the lone crusader of nonviolence, or Mother Theresa who chose to do social work they
all had one thing in common - they were all people of character.

Thus, character is the magic ingredient that sets you apart from the rest. Our character will determine
our success and each of us has the ability and the potential to develop and strengthen our character.

GENERAL CONCEPTS OF CHARACTER

The term was derived from the Greek word "charassein," referring to an engraving instrument: originally
used of a mark impressed upon a coin or the mark cut by it. Then it was applied to a distinctive mark of
the personality; and gradually, to the sum total of such marks, each individual one is being called
characteristics (Bartemeier, 2009). Basically, character is defined as a psychological notion that refers to
all the habitual ways of feeling and reacting of a person that distinguish one individual from another. It is
the trademark of being a person. Character as defined by the American Psychiatric Association, signifies
the relatively fixed or continuing group of an individual personality attributes of a person or the
characteristic pattern of behaviour of an individual. The social, emotional and intellectual manifestations
of a character are called personality, and character is roughly equivalent to personality. Harbans (2011)
noted that character is the index of the state of mind of a person. It is a sum total of motivation one
gives to the persons around him and also does course correction whenever there is a dire need for
same. It may differ as an individual differs but one thing is certain the special characteristics form the
solid basis of his stability in the society of which he is a part. Character, thus is an index of a person's
standing in the society.

WHAT IS CHARACTER FORMATION?

Character formation as defined by Donald (2006), is the process by which the individual, through
interaction of biologically transmitted predispositions with the environment, develops stable pattern of
functioning. thinking and feeling. It is also known as Character Building. It is that deeply internalized
patterns of values and attitudes and the consequent actions that are often established in precognitive
times of life through the natural and normal educational patterns that are appropriate for young
children. Nursing, weaning, toilet training, birth of siblings and the early relationship to the parents
(especially to the mother) are some of the examples of character formation. Character traits are usually
formed through the identification with parents and other important adults in the child's environment.

Everyone is partly responsible for one's character. Aristotle noted that character develops over time as
one acquires habits from parents and the environment either through reward and punishment.
Developing a good character is much learning to play a musical instrument. Initially, an individual may
be under some pressure to practice, but eventually, enjoys playing with skill and understanding
(Hartman, 2013).

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CONTRIBUTING FACTORS FOR CHARACTER FORMATION

1. Parental Influence

Parental influence is the most important of all the factors responsible for personality development. The
way parents behave with the child, how much he is allowed to socialize, the kind of culture he is
subjected to by them, and the emotional make-up of his parents, all these have a great bearing on the
child's mental growth. In early stage of their human existence, children adapt their parent's
mannerisms. Thus, parents should be careful in their ways for they establish a great influence to their
children's character.

2. Home Environment

Home as cradle of human character and personality largely contribute to the character formation of a
child. It is said that the parents are the first educators of the children. It is their parental guidance and
discipline that creates the kind of character, personality and attitude the child has

Parents should make sure that the child incorporates the positive emotions in his personality and stays
away from the negative ones. A child needs both his parents, to develop his personality. An absentee
father can be a negative influence on the child. To make a child a confident. positive person, parents
should avoid being too authoritative, trying to discipline excessively, criticizing the child, discouraging
him, comparing him with others, and being partial

3. School Environment

To perfect the total development of a child's character and attitude, besides the home environment, a
child's school environment too plays a major role in shaping a child's personality. Once a child starts
going to school, he learns how to interact and deal with his peers. He comes to know how to engage in
"playing" according to the rules and regulations. He gets educated, learns how to read, write and
communicate effectively. A child's personality is greatly influenced by the way he is treated at school,
both by his teachers as well as his peers. The school reinforce the education that the child needs that
home fails to provide.

4. Culture

Everyone has different character and values because of the different cultures where everyone is
exposed. Sociologists found out that different cultures have different values and a child grows up with
them, sub-consciously absorbing the same, Influence of culture in personality and social development
cannot be ignored. Those who were born and grown up in western countries are influenced to be
individualistic and competitive, while those children brought up in Asian, African and South American
countries are taught to be cooperative.

Infancy, toddler-hood, preschool and school age are the various phases that a child passes through and
each of these stages has its own share of problems and challenges, which a child has to overcome, with
his parent's assistance, to turn out to be a well-developed personality.

FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE FILIPINO CHARACTER FORMATION

by: Sen. Leticia Ramos Shahani

1. Home environment
2. Social environment
3. Culture and language
4. History
5. Educational system
6. Religion
7. Economic environment.
8. Political environment
9. Mass media
10. Leadership and role model

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DETERMINING CHARACTER OR PERSONALITY TYPES

Five (5) Factors that Determine Character or Personality Traits.

1. Openness: appreciation for a variety of experiences.

2. Conscientiousness: planning ahead rather than being spontaneous.
3. Extraversion. Being sociable, energetic and talkative
4. Agreeableness: being kind, sympathetic and happy to help.
5. Neuroticism: inclined to worry or be vulnerable or temperamental.

GENERAL TYPES OF CHARACTERS

1. Positive Character / Good Character / Positive Trait These are attributes such as integrity. honesty,
courage, loyalty, fortitude, and other important virtues that promote good behaviour and habits.
Further, it is said that

a Being honest and taking responsibility for your actions are admirable qualities.
b. Adaptability and compatibility are great traits that can help you get along with others.
c. Drive and determination will help you keep going no matter what.
d Compassion and understanding mean you relate well to others.
e Patience is a virtue and also a good personality
f. Courage will help you do what's right in tough situations
g. Loyalty is a good quality to possess, making others trust you

2. Negative Character / Negative Character / Negative Trait- A person's predisposition to commit evil
acts.

a. A propensity for lying, in order to avoid responsibility for our actions, is a deplorable) quality.
b. Being rigid and selfish, unyielding to the needs of others are not endearing qualities.
c. Being full of laziness and excuses is sure to drive others away, too.
d. A hot temper and an inability to empathize with others will also alienate us from others.
e. Being quick to anger will turn people away.
f. Being disloyal, quick to talk about others behind their backs or, worse, stab them in the back for
personal gain also falls high on the scale of negative personality traits.

3. Neutral Character / Neutral Trait -Commonly used to describe a person who doesn't pick sides in
disputes, neutral also pegs anything that refuses to be bold.

a Judges, for example, must remain totally neutral when hearing a case
b Manners mavens say that it's best to remain neutral when topics like politics and religion come up
during a party
c. Boxers can look to the neutral corners in the ring to escape a punch.

TYPES OF CHARACTERS

1. Self-realized Character. A person with this type of character is ever enthusiastic for he knows his
potentialities and limitations. This sort of a character is an asset not only to the family but also the
society in which person lives,

2. Covetous Character. This refers to a jealous or acquisitive character. It is held that, persons with
greed will endeavour to go all out in collecting worldly possessions and fulfilling his personal petty
ambitions by adopting any means open to him even crossing all the limits of moral and ethical limits.

In effect the person will become most arrogant, repulsive, slanderer and fully bereft of any moral
feelings for the humans. He is the burden not only on the family but also the society in which he lives.

3. Superstitious Character. In a way all are superstitious but when we're over superstitious then
problem starts. It is not merely bad for the individual concerned but also for those who come in contact
with this unpredictable person, who may change his tag any moment thus leaving everybody around in
the lurch. Too much reliance on superstitions also robs us of scientific temper and forward looking
approach in our life But we should not compare superstitious and traditionalists.

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4. Egoistic /Overbearing / Bossy / Tall-Talker. The person who thinks that world runs due to him and
everything and everybody should respect him as such. His overbearing and bossy disposition puts him in
the category of hard-to-please (fastidious) This person learns his lesson after sometimes. This fellow
with 1-DAMN-CARE- ATTITUDE hardly cares for others. This sort of egocentric character is the bane of
any society, irrespective of their status in the society.

5. Anti-social Character. A person who neither cares for the norms set by the society nor cares for the
moral or ethical values is an anti-social character. This character is both a sinner and a criminal. He could
also be termed as an offensive character. This like character resorts to offense besides being abusive on
even a pettiest pretext This anti-social behaviour cuts him off from the community in which he is living
and has to fend for himself ultimately for his acts of omissions and commissions.

6. Insincere Character. When a person does something good for us, we express our sincere thanks and
go extra mile in being sincere to that person in whatever way it is possible for us. Contrarily, a person
who thinks others is there for serving him and is without any warmth in the feeling for others. This like
person is not only a insincere to his own family, society and even to the Creator who had created him!

7. Complacent Character. We all should have confidence on ourselves. It is good for day to day
functioning of our society. But when we cross the threshold of confidence and step into the realm of
complacency then problem starts. A person who imbibes this trait finally faces ignoble defeat for being
so and learns a lesson.

THE SIX (6) PILLARS OF GOOD CHARACTER (Source: Josephson Institute -

charactercounts.org)

1. TRUSTWORTHINESS

This is the pillar of good character that is considered the most complicated of the six core ethical values
and concerns a variety of qualities like honesty, integrity, reliability and loyalty.

When a person is trusted he is given a greater leeway and no need to be monitored just to assure that
they meet their obligations. When they are trusted, we develop in them higher esteem which may be
satisfying to them. They must constantly live up to the expectations of others and refrain from even
small lies or self-serving behaviour that can quickly destroy relationship.

a. Honesty
There is no more fundamental ethical value than honesty. Honesty is associated with honor. Thus, a
person of honesty is a person of honor and he is admired and trusted because of his being
straightforward.

A person of good character must be a person of honesty in both communications and conduct.. is
expressing the truth as best we know it and Honesty in communications not conveying it in a way likely
to mislead or deceive.

THREE DIMENSIONS OF HONESTY

1. Truthfulness. Presenting the facts to the best of our knowledge. Take note that, intent is the crucial
distinction between truthfulness and truth itself. Being wrong is not the same thing as lying, although
honest mistakes can still damage trust insofar as they may show sloppy judgment.

2. Sincerity. One must observe genuineness, being without trickery or duplicity for it precludes all acts,
including half-truths, out-of-context statements, and even silence, that are intended to create beliefs or
leave impressions that are untrue or misleading.

3. Candor. In relationships involving legitimate expectations of trust, honesty may also require candour,
forthrightness and frankness, imposing the obligation to volunteer information that another person
needs to know.

4. Integrity. Persons of integrity are those who acts according to his beliefs, not according to
expediency. He is also consistent. There is no difference in the way he makes decisions from situation to
situation; his principles don't vary at work or at home, in public or alone.

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The person of integrity takes time for self-reflection, so that the events, crises and seeming necessities
of the day do not determine the course of his moral life. He stays in control. He may be courteous, even
charming, but he is never duplicitous or unfaithful. He never demeans himself with obsequious
behaviour toward those he thinks might do him some good. He is trusted because you know who he is:
What You See Is What You Get. People without integrity are called "hypocrites" or "two-faced."

5. Reliability (Promise Keeping). Reliable persons are those who keep their promises for he believe that
doing so create legitimate basis for another person to rely on him, and that he undertake special moral
duties. They accept the responsibility of making all reasonable efforts to fulfil their commitments.
Because promise keeping is such an important aspect of trustworthiness.

CONSIDERATIONS TO MAINTAIN RELIABILITY

1. Avoid Bad-Faith Excuses

Interpret your promises fairly and honestly.

Don't try to rationalize non-compliance.

2. Avoid Unwise Commitments

Before making a promise consider carefully whether you are willing and likely to keep it. Think
about unknown or future events that could make it difficult, undesirable or impossible. Sometimes, all
we can promise is to do our best.

3. Avoid Unclear Commitments

Be sure that when you make a promise, the other person understands what you are committing to do.

b. Loyalty
To be trusted one must be loyal to his or husband or wife, friends, employer, employee, organization,
citizen, and country.
Our relationships with other people creates an expectation of allegiance, fidelity and devotion. Hence,
loyalty is a responsibility that each one should develop and maintain to promote the interests of certain
people, organizations or affiliations. This duty goes beyond the normal obligation we all share to care for
others.

However, one should not sacrifice ethical principles when giving allegiance, fidelity and devotion to the
other people to preserve his or her integrity. He should prefer not to be loyal than lose his credibility,
integrity, and dignity We are only demanded to go with what is right and legal. We should rather choose
to lose our relationship with others than our legitimacy.

So many individuals and groups make loyalty claims on us that we must rank our loyalty obligations in
some rational fashion. For example, it's perfectly reasonable, and ethical, to look out for the interests of
our children, parents and spouses even if we have to subordinate our obligations to other children,
neighbours or co-workers in doing so. To be loyal we must develop the ability of safeguarding
confidential information. However, when keeping a secret breaks the law, threatens or jeopardize
others, it is more important to "blow the whistle. Employees and public servants have a duty to make all
professional decisions on merit, unimpeded by conflicting personal interests. They owe ultimate loyalty
to the public.

2. RESPECT

The Golden Rule in Human Relation, "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you, perfectly
illustrates "respect." When respect is observed we would prevent and pre-empt violence, humiliation,
manipulation and exploitation. It reflects notions such as civility, courtesy, decency, dignity, autonomy,
tolerance and acceptance.

Everyone has a right to be treated with dignity. We certainly have no ethical duty to hold all people in
high esteem, but we should treat everyone with respect, regardless of who they are and what they have
done. We have a responsibility to be the best we can be in all situations, even when dealing with
unpleasant people.

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QUALITIES OF A RESPECTFUL PERSON

1. Ability to Listen When somebody is talking he is attentively listening.

Treats Others With Consideration

- Respectful person doesn't resort to intimidation, coercion or violence except in extraordinary and
limited situations to defend others, teach discipline, maintain order or achieve social justice. They allow
all individuals, including maturing children, to have a say in the decisions that affect them.

3. Capable of Accepting Individual and Beliefs- Respectful accepts principles and ideologies of others.
They judge others only on their negative character, abilities and conduct. differences individuals without
prejudice openly

3. RESPONSIBILITY

It is understood that life is full of choices and everyone has its own judgement and decisions to take in
life. However, we are expected to be responsible for our actions and behaviours as rational being. Being
responsible means to take charge and be accountable of the consequences of what we think and do.
Our capacity our freedom to choose make us morally autonomous reason and and, therefore,
answerable for whether we honor or degrade the ethical principles that give life meaning and purpose.
Thus, an individual must be responsible and accountable, pursue excellence and exercise self-restraint.
They exhibit the ability to respond to expectations.

QUALITIES OF A RESPONSIBLE PERSON

a. Sense of Accountability

An accountable person leads by example and doesn't shift blame or claim credit for the work of others.
He considers the likely consequences of his behaviour and associations. He recognizes the common
complicity in the triumph of evil when nothing is done to stop it.

b. Pursuit of Excellence

Responsible person shows diligence what he is doing, careful in his actions, prepared and informed.
They finish what they started, overcoming rather than surrendering to obstacles. They avoid excuses
such as, "That's just the way I am," or "It's not my job," or "It was legal," and always look for ways to do
their work better.

c. Self-Restraint

Responsible people exercise self-control, restraining passions and appetites (such as hust, hatred,
gluttony, greed and fear) for the sake of longer-term vision and better judgment. They delay
gratification if necessary and never feel it's necessary to "win at any cost" They realize they are as they
choose to be, every day.

4. FAIRNESS
This pillar of good character involves issues of equality, impartiality, proportionality, openness and due
process. It is unfair to handle similar matters inconsistently, and to impose punishment that is not
commensurate with the offense.

The basic concept seems simple, even intuitive, yet applying it in daily life can be surprisingly difficult.
Fairness is another tricky concept, probably more subject legitimate

debate and interpretation than any other ethical value. Disagreeing parties tend to maintain that there
is only one fair position (their own, naturally). But essentially fairness implies adherence to a balanced
standard of justice without relevance to one's own feelings or inclinations.

Unfair person do not scrupulously employ open and impartial processes for gathering and evaluating
information necessary to make decisions. In contrast, fair people do not wait for the truth to come to
them; they seek out relevant information and conflicting perspectives before making important

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judgments. They make decisions objectively without favouritism or prejudice. They don't take advantage
of the weakness or ignorance of others.

5. CARING
Caring is the heart of ethics, and ethical decision-making. It is scarcely possible to be truly ethical and yet
unconcerned with the welfare of others. That is because ethics is ultimately about good relations with
other people.

It is easier to love "humanity" than to love people. People who consider themselves ethical and yet lack
a caring attitude toward individuals tend to treat others as instruments of their will. They rarely feel an
obligation to be honest, loyal. fair or respectful except insofar as it prudent for them to do so, a
disposition which itself hints at duplicity and a lack of integrity. A person who really cares feels an
emotional response to both the pain and pleasure of others.

The highest form of caring is the honest expression of benevolence, or altruism. This is not to be
confused with strategic charity. Gifts to charities to advance personal interests are a fraud That is, they
aren't gifts at all. They're investments or tax write-offs.
6. CITIZENSHIP

This pillar of good character includes civic virtues and duties that prescribe how we ought to behave as
part of a community. The good citizen knows the laws and obeys them. He volunteers and stays
informed on the issues of the day, the better to execute his duties and privileges as a member of a self-
governing democratic society.

CHARACTER TRAITS

1. Alertness - Being aware of what is taking place around.

2. Attentiveness-Showing the worth of a person or task by giving undivided concentration.
3. Availability - Making own schedule and priorities secondary to the wishes of those being served.
4. Benevolence - Giving to others basic needs without the motivation for acquiring personal rewards.
5. Boldness Confidence that what is say or do is true, right, and just.
6. Cautiousness Knowing how important right timing is in accomplishing right actions.
7. Compassion-Investing whatever is necessary to heal the hurts of others.
8. Contentment Realizing that true happiness does not depend on material conditions.
9. Creativity - Approaching a need, a task, or an idea from a new perspective.
10. Decisiveness-The ability to recognize key factors and finalize difficult decisions.
11. Deference -Limiting freedom so not to offend the tastes of others.
12. Dependability - Fulfilling what is consented to do, even if it means unexpected sacrifice.
13. Determination Purposing to accomplish right goals at the right time, regardless of the opposition.
14. Diligence - Investing time and energy to complete each task assigned.
15. Discernment-Understanding the deeper reasons why things happen.
16. Discretion - Recognizing and avoiding words, actions, and attitudes that could bring undesirable
consequences.
17. Endurance - The inward strength to withstand stress and do the best.
18. Enthusiasm - Expressing joy in doing and accomplishing each tasks.
19. Faith Confidence that actions rooted in good character will yield the best outcome, even when it's
not personally observed.
20. Flexibility - Willingness to change plans or ideas according to the direction of the authorities.
21. Forgiveness - Clearing the record of those who have wronged and not holding a grudge.
22. Generosity - Carefully managing resources to be capable of freely giving to those in need.
23. Gentleness-Showing consideration and personal concern for others.
24. Gratefulness - Letting others know by one's words and actions how they have benefited one's life.
25. Honor-Respecting those in leadership because of the higher authorities they represent.
26. Hospitality Cheerfully sharing food, shelter, or conversation to benefit others.
27. Humility - Acknowledging that achievement results from the investment of others one's life
28. Initiative Recognizing and doing what needs to be done before being asked to do it.
29. Joyfulness- Maintaining a good attitude, even when faced with unpleasant conditions.
30. Justice Taking personal responsibility to uphold what is pure, right, and true.
31. Loyalty Using difficult times to demonstrate commitment to those being served.
32. Meekness Yielding personal rights and expectations with a desire to serve.
33. Obedience - Quickly and cheerfully carrying out the direction of the superior.

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34. Orderliness- Arranging self and surroundings to achieve greater efficiency.

35. Patience - Accepting a difficult situation without giving a deadline to remove it.
36. Persuasiveness Guiding vital truths around another's mental roadblocks.
37. Punctuality-Showing esteem for others by doing the right thing at the right time.
38. Resourcefulness Finding practical uses for that which others would overlook or discard.
39. Responsibility - Knowing and doing what is expected.
40. Security Structuring one's life around that which cannot be destroyed or taken away
41. Self-Control Rejecting wrong desires and doing
42. Sensitivity - Perceiving the true attitudes and emotions of others
43. Sincerity - Eagerness to do what is right with transparent motives.
44. Thoroughness Knowing what factors will diminish the effectiveness of one's work or if neglected.
45. Thriftiness Allowing oneself and others to spend only what is necessary.
46. Tolerance - Realizing that everyone is at varying levels of character development.
47. Truthfulness-Earning future trust by accurately reporting past facts,
48. Virtue-The moral excellence evident in one's life as consistently doing what is right.
49. Wisdom-Seeing and responding to life situations from a perspective that transcends current
circumstances.

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CHAPTER I
FILIPINO INFLUENCES TRAITS AND CHARACTERISTICS

Learning Objectives

At the end of this chapter the students should be able to;

1. Recognize and compare positive and negative Filipino traits.

2. Identify and appreciate Filipino values orientation.

The Philippines is a meeting point for cultures from all over Asia and the Pacific because it has been a
crossroads between east and west and the merging of cultures reflects the country's culture and its
people. It comes from various ethno-linguistic groups that are native to the islands or migrants from
various Asia Pacific regions, Filipinos are the people who are naturally born to or recognized with the
Philippine country.

China, the United States, and Spain mainly influence the modern Filipino identity. Though Filipinos are
racially similar to Malays but in terms of culture they are more like the Spaniards. Thus, it could be
claimed that Filipinos are the most hot-bloodied and brave citizens in the tropical Asian cultures. Like
other countries, the Philippines has its opposing values and labels, it is believed by the Filipinos that the
country have the best values in the world. Though it has experienced colonization by several countries,
but the core values it has gained from the Filipino ancestors remained intact
and are still honoured today like the bayanihan or spirit of kinship and camaraderie implanted by Malay
ancestors and close family ties inherited by the Chinese ascendants.

THE MOST WELL KNOWN TRAITS AND ATTITUDES OF THE FILIPINO

POSITIVE TRAITS

1. Hospitality

Hospitality is a trait displayed by every Filipino, characterized by heart-warming generosity and

friendliness exhibited to foreigners and locals alike.

Filipinos are well-known for being hospitable. This is one of the most popular qualities of Filipinos. Most
foreigners who have gone to the Philippines fell in love with the warm hospitality they have experienced
while staying in the country. This is a kind of value system which has existed in the country thousand of
years ago. Good thing is that the hospitality of the Filipinos is not only shown to the foreigners but to its
fellow Filipino as well.

Hospitality of Filipinos is shown in the following sample situations:

a. When a person visits a friend's house, the host greets him or her with a very warm welcome. The host
will immediately let their visitor sit down and will prepare a meal or a snack plus drinks for the visitor.
The host will insist that the friend not leave the house with an empty stomach. A host will always make
sure you had a great time visiting them.

b. People offer their guest room to visitors if they're going to spend the night. c. Meals offered to guests
are very special. A host always finds a way to prepare great tasting food that her visitor wants to eat.
2. Respect

This is often observed-not just by younger people but also by people of all ages. In the Philippines,
respect for one's elders is a tradition.

a Po and Opo These words are spoken by the Filipinos when talking to elders, or in order to show
respect to persons in authority. These Filipino words mean "yes," when answering or talking to the
elders.

b. Pagmamano- Another way of showing respect to the elders when greeting them. This is done by
putting their elders' hands on their foreheads c. Filipinos also show respect at work by making a bow to
their employers.

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3. Strong Family Ties and Religions

Filipinos value their families so much that they tend to keep families intact through the generations.
Families go to church and pray together because their religion is important and creates a strong bond,
marking God as the center of their lives. Filipinos believe in only one God and majority of the population
are Catholics. It is a value system of the Filipinos to pray before eating, going to bed, before the start of
the meeting, conferences of program, gathering, etc.

On weekends, most Filipino families make sure to have quality time together by watching television or
eating a family meal, watch movies or going to beach resorts.

4. Generosity and Helpfulness

Aside from being hospitable, Filipinos are also well-known for being generous. They share what they
have to the people around them even when they only have little.
These could be felt during birthdays, weddings or fiesta (party). When visitors came to celebrate great
tasting special foods are specially prepared for everyone. It is shared by friends, families or even
strangers.

When you will be in trouble, Filipinos cannot refuse to help you. They are always willing to assist you or
lend a hand.

5. Strong Work Ethics

Another good thing most Filipinos have is being hardworking people. They are always willing to work
almost the whole day to provide the needs of their families. Filipino farmers though earning so little but
they work harder with not much compensation.

Aside from their regular work. Filipinos always find creative ways to look for other sources of income like
creating a small business from their home where they sell foods and other items for the convenience of
their neighbours.

6. Loving and Caring Because of their generosity, hospitality and religiosity, Filipinos are found to be the
sweetest and most loving people in the world.

It is expressed by both foreigners and Filipino women that most Filipino men are so sweet and romantic
when it comes to love. They will send their beloved flowers, bring her to a very romantic place text her
sweet quotes and tell often how special she is to them. Filipino women are also romantic and very
caring, which often makes some foreigners want to marry them. Women tend to prepare dinner before
their husband comes home. They love, and value the relationship, always staying faithful to their
husbands They love deeply and sincerely.

NEGATIVE TRAITS OF FILIPINOS

1. Fatalism ("Bahala Na" or "Come What May" Attitude)

When Filipinos are facing difficulties and shortcomings they have this attitude of leaving it up to God to
sort things out. An attitude of "What Goes Around Comes Around" Filipinos have a tendency to
surrender the future to luck. They have that strong confidence that everything will work out in his
interest without doing anything Filipinos often accepts bad news or circumstances without trying to stop
or change them. This can sometimes be helpful in adversity, but it can also keep us from finding ways
out of situations. Also, constantly expecting the worst can get pretty depressing.

2. Mañana Habit (Procrastination)

True blooded Filipinos have the attitude of causing delays in accomplishing things or making
transactions. When not interested or not in the mood, they wait or reserve until tomorrow or the next
day to finish what they are doing or meeting their transactions. However, there are some Filipinos
nowadays who take their time in doing things or in making decisions promptly. There are some who are
habitually late or not showing up at all. There are few Filipinos who are punctual for social meetings. In
fact, it is not expected of them to arrive exactly on time especially at a party.

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The "bahala na" attitude is the outcome of the "mañana habit" when the tasks are left undone. This is
usually shown and even expressed by people who do not care much of what lies ahead and just leave
everything in fate.

3. Crab Mentality

This is an attitude of some Filipinos where they tend to push each other down to clear the way for their
own gain. Filipino people with this kind of mentality or attitude try their best to ruin each other, either
by making issues against the other for him to turn out bad to the public or to the company or
organization so that people will gradually put distance and loss their confidence and trust that
eventually result to their replacement.

4. Hypocrisy

This is a trait of the Filipino where criticisms to others' failure to live with the moral standards of the
society are inevitable. In the Philippines morality is highly valued, most of us try to live up to the
standards set by the traditional society. However, as no one is perfect, many of us are not actually able
to sustain these standards.

The fear of being an outcast has forced a lot of people to live a double standard life. To hide our failure
in following a norm, we tend to be condemning those who are caught red handed. A perfect example
could be the criticisms faced by those who become pregnant outside marriage. The sad fact behind this
scenario is that some of these critics could have actually engaged in premarital sex too-only that no
proof is visible.

5. Ningas Cogon
Most Filipinos are very good at the start when doing something. Nevertheless, after a few hours or days,
that excitement to do or accomplish something is lost we and become too lazy to finish what were have
started.

6. Tardiness (Filipino time)

Only in the Philippines that we have the so-called "Filipino time but not exactly referring to the
Philippine standard time, but then again we use it to refer to the "tardiness" of the persons that we are
waiting or who keeps on coming late to the set time schedule of events. Instead of being something to
be proud of, 'Filipino time' brings a negative impression to our people. When the invitation says the
program will start at 7pm, it is expected to begin at 9pm. This has not only caused conflicts in
relationships, it also discourages others. including foreigners from getting involved in supposedly
productive activities as too much time can be wasted on waiting.

7. Gossiping
Filipinos are fond of talking about others business. It is not true that only women are into gossiping Even
men can also be nosy on other people's lives. Secrets are brought out; failures and flaws are
emphasized. and relationships are destroyed. Worse, as gossips are passed around, they tend to be
twisted until the final story becomes too far from the original-thus, causing more damage.

8. Blaming
Filipinos can sometimes be too self-righteous. When mistakes happen, we do not want to take the
blame, we lack humility to accept our failures, and instead we point at others. This shows how
irresponsible we are on our actions. This attitude destroys teamwork, and reliability becomes an issue.

9. Selfishness (being insensitive of others)

Most Filipinos are insensitive to the needs and situations of others. This could be an outcome of having
too many problems that Filipinos are facing and the tendency is to focus on their own needs first before
others.

10. Disobedience to Simple Rules and Instructions Some Filipinos, despite of the understanding of the
purpose of laws and ordinances have inability to observe and follow them. Consequently, crime
victimization and accident rate in the Philippines are constantly rising, poverty is getting more rampant
and lifestyle development is relaxed.

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11. Attention Taker

Filipinos are fun and people loving race. Thus, attracting attention is natural for them. Nevertheless, it is
a different thing to be an "epal" or "kapalmuks simply, being an attention grabber.
Sometimes, in our desperate need to be the center of attention, we do things that are already
embarrassing like butting in conversations as a know-it-all or by being scandalous. This habit is also
common to our politicians. Instead of prioritizing their duty to give the best service to the people, they
rather prioritize their thick faces to grab attention that will bring them more chance of winning in the
next election. But thanks to our vigilant netizens, this kind of politicians earns more shame than fame.

12. Being onion-skinned or too sensitive

Another habit or attitude that we need to change is our being too proud which usually results to being
oversensitive. If we think highly of ourselves, then we have the tendency to put a wall around us and
that a signboard on our forehead saying, "I must be respected." Therefore, when someone makes a joke
or a not so positive comment about us, we feel like we are not respected and we get offended. If all
people in the country do not know how to accept constructive criticism, then we can never expect unity.
ELOPMEN

13. Living beyond their means (social climbing)

One of the reasons why a lot of Filipinos live in poverty is because of overspending. Since most people
want to live an elite lifestyle, many resort to social climbing or living beyond their means. Sometimes,
some of us think that as long as we wear designer clothes and shoes, and we send our children to the
most expensive schools, it is alright to be swimming in credits and loans.

14. Passivity (lack of leadership)

Filipinos' lack of initiative for change is also one reason why our country does not progress. We keep on
complaining against the government and other societal issues. However, we do not do anything about
them. One of our excuses is the lack of faith that our small actions can bring change. However, the
worse reason for this could be our lack of care for what is happening around us Common Filipinos also
lack courage and confidence. If you can notice it, in classrooms, churches, or conference rooms, most of
us don't like to sit in the front seat.

15. Other Negative Traits

Some Filipino women give birth at an early age 16 (Teenage Pregnancy). Some just don't mind their own
business. Some have many bad habits, like drinking, smoking, etc. Some poor teenagers engage in
prostitution. There are many broken families. A lot of bad words to choose from which Filipinos just
can't avoid saying those. Most Filipinos tend to be with friends most of the time than to be with their
parents.

FILIPINO CHARACTER AND PERSONALITY

THREE MAIN TRAITS UNDERSCORING

FILIPINO VALUES (Excerpted from the Philippines Australia Business Council)

1. Personalism

Filipinos valued interpersonal relationship. It is firmly believed that harmonious personal relationship is
the key to successful endeavours. Amicable settlement of dispute is the primary means of restoring
broken relationships and face-to-face open forum is considered once conflict is recognized in an
organization or the community.

2. Familialism

Filipinos are family-oriented. Development programs and projects in the community are concentrated
on the family. Decision on matters is centered on the welfare and best interest of the family rather than
on the betterment and interest of some individuals. The mistakes committed by a family member affects
the credibility and of the immediate members of the family and relatives.

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3. Particularism

Displayed behaviour by the individuals may it be good or bad is blamed against the family. It is based on
the principle that home is the cradle of human personality and character that is, the product of
goodness is always good and those who are moulded in wickedness, will always show-off badness.
Individuals strive to promote their own and their family's interests over community interests. On the
other hand, knowing how to entertain people (marunong umasikaso ng kapwa) is important.

Conformity to proper codes of conduct reaps the rewards of cooperation and assistance; non-
conformity is punished by withdrawal of support.

FILIPINO VALUES ORIENTATION Values Orientation - Is the approach that may influence work or social
relationships by persons relating to objects, events and ideas.

THREE MAIN OBLIGATIONS UNDERLYING

FILIPINO VALUE ORIENTATION

The relational or face-to-face interactions and their resulting responsibilities are called interpersonal
obligations. This is in relation to the value in Filipino cultural orientation, the personalism. Pakikiramay,
pakikisama, bayanihan, and galang are the nature of interpersonal relationships that are inherent to the
pure-blooded Filipino people.

1. Pakikiramay
It is in the Filipino value of going out of the way to help, without being asked. i.e., unsolicited help.

2. Pakikisama (Smooth Interpersonal Relations)

Regardless whether someone's views are agreeable or not, Filipinos are capable of getting along with it.
Camaraderie, trust, confidence, and loyalty are enhanced and developed by this Filipino value.

3. Bayanihan
As mentioned in the preceding topics, Filipinos are able to render services and generous enough to
extend help without compensation. -Somebody can request help in time of need from those to whom it
is extended.

4. Galang (Respect)
Filipinos are basically oriented to revere to the opinions of elders, peers, or those in authority, during
important discussions during social encounters. Verbal clash or any sign of extreme familiarity in public
meetings is a sign of disrespect to elders or persons in authority.

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